You’ll get updates on new plans and programs, and—best of all—you’ll meet other chapter leaders and learn from each other. Many of you have asked about 2010 training plans and dates and I now have information to share.

For 2010, all chapter leaders (new and returning) will have access to a new training tool—a webinar that will train them on their roles. At our last training events, many of you indicated that you wanted role-specific training. The Volunteer Training Task Force has created these so you can access them from your computer. We suggest that all leaders complete this online training before attending our 2010 training events. Be creative in how you view these tools. Perhaps you can use your church's computers or host a chapter meeting at a location where you all have computer access. More about these tools will be shared later this month. They are each about 30 minutes in length.

This year, Presidents and Events Directors will be invited to January training events called "President and Events Director Retreats." These two leader positions can choose one of these locations:
January 16 at the Wilderness Lodge in Wisconsin Dells or
January 23 at the Westwood Conference Center in Wausau

Please note that invitations will be mailed to these leaders this month with exact starting times and addresses. If the President and/or Events Director can't attend, alternates from the chapter board may attend for them. Information shared at these events will be specifically geared toward these roles and new programs.

All chapter leaders, including the Presidents and Events Directors that attended the January Retreat, are encouraged to attend one of four 2010 Roadmap to Success Training Events. Also, all Office Professionals (OPs), FR Advisors and newly appointed congregational advocates will be invited to this year's events. Please note that invitations will be mailed in January with exact starting times and addresses. The dates and locations are:

February 6 at Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc
February 13 at Cranberry Lodge in Tomah
February 20 at The Waters in Minocqua
March 6 at the Rock Garden in Green Bay

This year we are encouraging chapters to invite those members that you think might be interested in a position on the board for 2010, even if they are not officially appointed to your chapter board. We believe that the quality and content of our events will help them to make a decision to join your chapter board. Make sure that they are registered with us prior to any events so we have an accurate count for meals and supplies.